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Zheng K, Ma Y, Chiu C, Xue M, Zhang C, Du D. Enhanced articular cartilage regeneration using costal chondrocyte-derived scaffold-free tissue engineered constructs with ascorbic acid treatment. J Orthop Translat 2024; 45:140-154. [PMID: 38559899 PMCID: PMC10979122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cartilage tissue engineering faces challenges related to the use of scaffolds and limited seed cells. This study aims to propose a cost-effective and straightforward approach using costal chondrocytes (CCs) as an alternative cell source to overcome these challenges, eliminating the need for special culture equipment or scaffolds. Methods CCs were cultured at a high cell density with and without ascorbic acid treatment, serving as the experimental and control groups, respectively. Viability and tissue-engineered constructs (TEC) formation were evaluated until day 14. Slices of TEC samples were used for histological staining to evaluate the secretion of glycosaminoglycans and different types of collagen proteins within the extracellular matrix. mRNA sequencing and qPCR were performed to examine gene expression related to cartilage matrix secretion in the chondrocytes. In vivo experiments were conducted by implanting TECs from different groups into the defect site, followed by sample collection after 12 weeks for histological staining and scoring to evaluate the extent of cartilage regeneration. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Safranin-O-Fast Green, and Masson's trichrome stainings were used to examine the content of cartilage-related matrix components in the in vivo repair tissue. Immunohistochemical staining for type I and type II collagen, as well as aggrecan, was performed to assess the presence and distribution of these specific markers. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining for type X collagen was used to observe any hypertrophic changes in the repaired tissue. Results Viability of the chondrocytes remained high throughout the culture period, and the TECs displayed an enriched extracellular matrix suitable for surgical procedures. In vitro study revealed glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen production in both groups of TEC, while the TEC matrix treated with ascorbic acid displayed greater abundance. The results of mRNA sequencing and qPCR showed that genes related to cartilage matrix secretion such as Sox9, Col2, and Acan were upregulated by ascorbic acid in costal chondrocytes. Although the addition of Asc-2P led to an increase in COL10 expression according to qPCR and RNA-seq results, the immunofluorescence staining results of the two groups of TECs exhibited similar distribution and fluorescence intensity. In vivo experiments showed that both groups of TEC could adhere to the defect sites and kept hyaline cartilage morphology until 12 weeks. TEC treated with ascorbic acid showed superior cartilage regeneration as evidenced by significantly higher ICRS and O'Driscoll scores and stronger Safranin-O and collagen staining mimicking native cartilage when compared to other groups. In addition, the immunohistochemical staining results of Collgan X indicated that, after 12 weeks, the ascorbic acid-treated TEC did not exhibit further hypertrophy upon transplantation into the defect site, but maintained an expression profile similar to untreated TECs, while slightly higher than the sham-operated group. Conclusion These results suggest that CC-derived scaffold-free TEC presents a promising method for articular cartilage regeneration. Ascorbic acid treatment enhances outcomes by promoting cartilage matrix production. This study provides valuable insights and potential advancements in the field of cartilage tissue engineering. The translational potential of this article Cartilage tissue engineering is an area of research with immense clinical potential. The approach presented in this article offers a cost-effective and straightforward solution, which can minimize the complexity of cell culture and scaffold fabrication. This simplification could offer several translational advantages, such as ease of use, rapid scalability, lower costs, and the potential for patient-specific clinical translation. The use of costal chondrocytes, which are easily obtainable, and the scaffold-free approach, which does not require specialized equipment or membranes, could be particularly advantageous in clinical settings, allowing for in situ regeneration of cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Zheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Ma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Chiu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxin Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changqing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajiang Du
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Booijink R, Salgado‐Polo F, Jamieson C, Perrakis A, Bansal R. A type IV Autotaxin inhibitor ameliorates acute liver injury and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16333. [PMID: 35833384 PMCID: PMC9449594 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling axis is an important but rather underexplored pathway in liver disease. LPA is predominantly produced by Autotaxin (ATX) that has gained significant attention with an impressive number of ATX inhibitors (type I-IV) reported. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of a (yet unexplored) type IV inhibitor, Cpd17, in liver injury. We first confirmed the involvement of the ATX-LPA signaling axis in human and murine diseased livers. Then, we evaluated the effects of Cpd17, in comparison with the classic type I inhibitor PF8380, in vitro, where Cpd17 showed higher efficacy. Thereafter, we characterized the mechanism-of-action of both inhibitors and found that Cpd17 was more potent in inhibiting RhoA-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling, and phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK and AKT/PKB. Finally, the therapeutic potential of Cpd17 was investigated in CCl4 -induced acute liver injury and diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, demonstrating an excellent potential of Cpd17 in reducing liver injury in both disease models in vivo. We conclude that ATX inhibition, by type IV inhibitor in particular, has an excellent potential for clinical application in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richell Booijink
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell BioPhysics, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of TwenteEnschedeThe Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Division of BiochemistryNetherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Fernando Salgado‐Polo
- Oncode Institute, Division of BiochemistryNetherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department of Pure and Applied ChemistryUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Anastassis Perrakis
- Oncode Institute, Division of BiochemistryNetherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell BioPhysics, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of TwenteEnschedeThe Netherlands
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3
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Baiocchi L, Glaser S, Francis H, Kennedy L, Felli E, Alpini G, Gracia-Sancho J. Impact of Aging on Liver Cells and Liver Disease: Focus on the Biliary and Vascular Compartments. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1125-1137. [PMID: 34278165 PMCID: PMC8279468 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging process is represented by the time-dependent decay in physiologic functions of living beings. Major interest has been focused in recent years on the determinants of this progressive condition due to its correlative relationship with the onset of diseases. Several hallmark features have been observed in aging, such as genetic alterations, mitochondrial impairment, and telomere shortening. At the cellular level, a senescent phenotype has been identified in response to aging that is characterized by a flat appearance, proliferative arrest, and production of specific molecules. The net effect of these cells in the course of diseases is an argument of debate. In fact, while the onset of a senescent phenotype may prevent tumor spreading, these cells appear to support pathological processes in some conditions. Several studies are now focused on clarifying the specific molecular pathways of aging/senescence in different cells, tissues, or organs. Biliary and vascular components, within the liver, have emerged as important determinants of some form of liver disease. In this review we summarize the most recent achievements on aging/senescence, focusing on the biliary and vascular liver system. Conclusion: Several findings, in both preclinical animal models and on human liver specimens, converge in supporting the presence of specific aging hallmarks in the diseases involving these hepatic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology UnitDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Heather Francis
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Eric Felli
- HepatologyDepartment of Biomedical ResearchInselspitalBernSwitzerland
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular BiologyIDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute and CIBEREHDBarcelonaSpain.,HepatologyDepartment of Biomedical ResearchInselspitalBernSwitzerland
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O'Regan A, O'Brien CJ, Eivers SB. The lysophosphatidic acid axis in fibrosis: Implications for glaucoma. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:613-626. [PMID: 34009724 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common progressive optic neuropathy that results in visual field defects and can lead to irreversible blindness. The pathophysiology of glaucoma involves dysregulated extracellular matrix remodelling in both the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber and in the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head. Fibrosis in these regions leads to raised intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell degeneration, respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator which acts via six G-protein coupled receptors on the cell surface to activate intracellular pathways that promote cell proliferation, transcription and survival. LPA signalling has been implicated in both normal wound healing and pathological fibrosis. LPA enhances fibroblast proliferation, migration and contraction, and induces expression of pro-fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor. The LPA axis plays a major role in diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where it has been identified as an important pharmacological target. In glaucoma, LPA is present in high levels in the aqueous humour, and its signalling has been found to increase resistance to aqueous humour outflow through altered trabecular meshwork cellular contraction and extracellular matrix deposition. LPA signalling may, therefore, also represent an attractive target for treatment of glaucoma. In this review we wish to describe the role of LPA and its related proteins in tissue fibrosis and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy O'Regan
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm J O'Brien
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah B Eivers
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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5
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Xiang H, Lu Y, Shao M, Wu T. Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptors: Biochemical and Clinical Implications in Different Diseases. J Cancer 2020; 11:3519-3535. [PMID: 32284748 PMCID: PMC7150451 DOI: 10.7150/jca.41841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 1-acyl-2-hemolytic-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate) extracted from membrane phospholipid is a kind of simple bioactive glycophospholipid, which has many biological functions such as stimulating cell multiplication, cytoskeleton recombination, cell survival, drug-fast, synthesis of DNA and ion transport. Current studies have shown that six G-coupled protein receptors (LPAR1-6) can be activated by LPA. They stimulate a variety of signal transduction pathways through heterotrimeric G-proteins (such as Gα12/13, Gαq/11, Gαi/o and GαS). LPA and its receptors play vital roles in cancers, nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, metabolic diseases, etc. In this article, we discussed the structure of LPA receptors and elucidated their functions in various diseases, in order to better understand them and point out new therapeutic schemes for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiao Xiang
- Center of Chinese Medical Therapy and Systems Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yifei Lu
- Center of Chinese Medical Therapy and Systems Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingmei Shao
- Center of Chinese Medical Therapy and Systems Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Center of Chinese Medical Therapy and Systems Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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6
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Khomich O, Ivanov AV, Bartosch B. Metabolic Hallmarks of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 9:E24. [PMID: 31861818 PMCID: PMC7016711 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a regenerative process that occurs after injury. It is characterized by the deposition of connective tissue by specialized fibroblasts and concomitant proliferative responses. Chronic damage that stimulates fibrogenic processes in the long-term may result in the deposition of excess matrix tissue and impairment of liver functions. End-stage fibrosis is referred to as cirrhosis and predisposes strongly to the loss of liver functions (decompensation) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis is a pathology common to a number of different chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. The predominant cell type responsible for fibrogenesis is hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In response to inflammatory stimuli or hepatocyte death, HSCs undergo trans-differentiation to myofibroblast-like cells. Recent evidence shows that metabolic alterations in HSCs are important for the trans-differentiation process and thus offer new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur during HSC activation with a particular focus on the retinol and lipid metabolism, the central carbon metabolism, and associated redox or stress-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khomich
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Birke Bartosch
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
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7
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Elevated Autotaxin and LPA Levels During Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associate with Systemic Immune Activation. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121867. [PMID: 31769428 PMCID: PMC6966516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating autotaxin (ATX) is elevated in persons with liver disease, particularly in the setting of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV/HIV infection. It is thought that plasma ATX levels are, in part, attributable to impaired liver clearance that is secondary to fibrotic liver disease. In a discovery data set, we identified plasma ATX to be associated with parameters of systemic immune activation during chronic HCV and HCV/HIV infection. We and others have observed a partial normalization of ATX levels within months of starting interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) HCV therapy, consistent with a non-fibrotic liver disease contribution to elevated ATX levels, or HCV-mediated hepatocyte activation. Relationships between ATX, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and parameters of systemic immune activation will be discussed in the context of HCV infection, age, immune health, liver health, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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8
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Dobie R, Wilson-Kanamori JR, Henderson BEP, Smith JR, Matchett KP, Portman JR, Wallenborg K, Picelli S, Zagorska A, Pendem SV, Hudson TE, Wu MM, Budas GR, Breckenridge DG, Harrison EM, Mole DJ, Wigmore SJ, Ramachandran P, Ponting CP, Teichmann SA, Marioni JC, Henderson NC. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Uncovers Zonation of Function in the Mesenchyme during Liver Fibrosis. Cell Rep 2019; 29:1832-1847.e8. [PMID: 31722201 PMCID: PMC6856722 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Iterative liver injury results in progressive fibrosis disrupting hepatic architecture, regeneration potential, and liver function. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a major source of pathological matrix during fibrosis and are thought to be a functionally homogeneous population. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to deconvolve the hepatic mesenchyme in healthy and fibrotic mouse liver, revealing spatial zonation of HSCs across the hepatic lobule. Furthermore, we show that HSCs partition into topographically diametric lobule regions, designated portal vein-associated HSCs (PaHSCs) and central vein-associated HSCs (CaHSCs). Importantly we uncover functional zonation, identifying CaHSCs as the dominant pathogenic collagen-producing cells in a mouse model of centrilobular fibrosis. Finally, we identify LPAR1 as a therapeutic target on collagen-producing CaHSCs, demonstrating that blockade of LPAR1 inhibits liver fibrosis in a rodent NASH model. Taken together, our work illustrates the power of single-cell transcriptomics to resolve the key collagen-producing cells driving liver fibrosis with high precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Dobie
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John R Wilson-Kanamori
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Beth E P Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - James R Smith
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Kylie P Matchett
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jordan R Portman
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Karolina Wallenborg
- Karolinska Institutet (KI), Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23, Solna 171 65, Sweden
| | - Simone Picelli
- Karolinska Institutet (KI), Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23, Solna 171 65, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ewen M Harrison
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Damian J Mole
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Stephen J Wigmore
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Chris P Ponting
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; Theory of Condensed Matter Group, The Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - John C Marioni
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Lei L, Su J, Chen J, Chen W, Chen X, Peng C. The role of lysophosphatidic acid in the physiology and pathology of the skin. Life Sci 2018; 220:194-200. [PMID: 30584899 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the simplest phospholipid found in nature. LPA is mainly biosynthesized in tissues and cells by autotoxin and PA-PLA1α/PA-PLA1β and is degraded by lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs). It is an important component of biofilm, an extracellular signal transmitter and intracellular second messenger. After targeting to endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) family LPA receptors (LPA1, LPA2, LPA3) and non-Edg family LPA receptors (LPA4, LPA5, LPA6), LPA mediates physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, tumor progression, fibrogenesis, wound healing, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and inflammatory reactions. These processes are induced through signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, protein kinase C (PKC)-GSK3β-β-catenin, Rho, Stat, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). LPA is involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes in the skin. It not only regulates skin function but also plays an important role in hair follicle development, skin wound healing, pruritus, skin tumors, and scleroderma. Pharmacological inhibition of LPA synthesis or antagonization of LPA receptors is a new strategy for the treatment of various skin disorders. This review focuses on the current understanding of the pathophysiologic role of LPA in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Juan Su
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Junchen Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wangqing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Cong Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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10
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Yang F, Chen GX. Production of extracellular lysophosphatidic acid in the regulation of adipocyte functions and liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4132-4151. [PMID: 30271079 PMCID: PMC6158478 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i36.4132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a glycerophospholipid, consists of a glycerol backbone connected to a phosphate head group and an acyl chain linked to sn-1 or sn-2 position. In the circulation, LPA is in sub-millimolar range and mainly derived from hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine, a process mediated by lysophospholipase D activity in proteins such as autotaxin (ATX). Intracellular and extracellular LPAs act as bioactive lipid mediators with diverse functions in almost every mammalian cell type. The binding of LPA to its receptors LPA1-6 activates multiple cellular processes such as migration, proliferation and survival. The production of LPA and activation of LPA receptor signaling pathways in the events of physiology and pathophysiology have attracted the interest of researchers. Results from studies using transgenic and gene knockout animals with alterations of ATX and LPA receptors genes, have revealed the roles of LPA signaling pathways in metabolic active tissues and organs. The present review was aimed to summarize recent progresses in the studies of extracellular and intracellular LPA production pathways. This includes the functional, structural and biochemical properties of ATX and LPA receptors. The potential roles of LPA production and LPA receptor signaling pathways in obesity, insulin resistance and liver fibrosis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, Hubei Province, China
| | - Guo-Xun Chen
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
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Ando W, Yokomori H, Kaneko F, Kaneko M, Igarashi K, Suzuki H. Serum Autotaxin Concentrations Reflect Changes in Liver Stiffness and Fibrosis After Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:1111-1122. [PMID: 30202824 PMCID: PMC6128230 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether serum autotaxin concentrations reflect liver stiffness in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with direct‐acting antiviral agents. Adult patients with chronic HCV were enrolled from January 2016 to August 2017. Autotaxin concentrations in these patients were compared with those of a control group consisting of healthy individuals. Liver stiffness was determined by transient elastography. The relationship between fibrosis markers and fibrosis scores was evaluated before and after treatment. Data from 155 HCV patients and 56 control subjects were analyzed. Autotaxin concentrations were significantly higher in HCV patients with liver stiffness scores less than or equal to 7.4 kPa versus controls. Autotaxin concentrations at the end of treatment and beyond were significantly lower than those prior to treatment. Pretreatment and posttreatment autotaxin concentrations in male and female patients with liver stiffness scores greater than 14.9 kPa changed significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). From the start of treatment to 6 months following treatment, the fibrosis marker/liver stiffness score ratios changed as follows: autotaxin: 0.189 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.169‐0.209) to 0.191 (95% CI: 0.166‐0.216; P= 0.88); Wisteria floribundaagglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein: 0.294 (95% CI: 0.256‐0.332) to 0.223 (95% CI: 0.191‐0.255; P< 0.001); hyaluronic acid: 19.05 (95% CI: 14.29‐23.81) to 13.92 (95% CI: 11.16‐16.70; P = 0.044); and type IV collagen 7S: 0.560 (95% CI: 0.515‐0.604) to 0.546 (95% CI: 0.497‐0.895; P = 0.052). Conclusion: Autotaxin concentrations reflect liver stiffness before and after antiviral treatment in patients with chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Ando
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Kitasato University Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yokomori
- Department of Gastroenterology Kitasato University Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Fumihiko Kaneko
- Department of Internal Medicine Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Mana Kaneko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Kitasato University Tokyo Japan
| | - Koji Igarashi
- Bioscience Division, Research and Development Management Department Tosoh Corporation Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hidekazu Suzuki
- Fellowship Training Center and Medical Education Center Keio University School of Medicine Keio University Tokyo Japan
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Serum Autotaxin Is a Useful Disease Progression Marker in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8159. [PMID: 29802350 PMCID: PMC5970155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26531-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted enzyme metabolized by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells that has been associated with liver fibrosis. We evaluated serum ATX values in 128 treatment-naïve, histologically assessed primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients and 80 healthy controls for comparisons of clinical parameters in a case-control study. The median ATX concentrations in controls and PBC patients of Nakanuma’s stage I, II, III, and IV were 0.70, 0.80, 0.87, 1.03, and 1.70 mg/L, respectively, which increased significantly with disease stage (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001) as confirmed by Scheuer’s classification (r = 0.43, P < 0.0001). ATX correlated with Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein (M2BPGi) (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001) and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) index (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001). While ALP and M2BPGi levels had decreased significantly (both P < 0.001) by 12 months of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment, ATX had not (0.95 to 0.96 mg/L) (P = 0.07). We observed in a longitudinal study that ATX increased significantly (P < 0.00001) over 18 years in an independent group of 29 patients. Patients succumbing to disease-related death showed a significantly higher ATX increase rate (0.05 mg/L/year) than did survivors (0.02 mg/L/year) (P < 0.01). ATX therefore appears useful for assessing disease stage and prognosis in PBC.
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Baader M, Bretschneider T, Broermann A, Rippmann JF, Stierstorfer B, Kuttruff CA, Mark M. Characterization of the properties of a selective, orally bioavailable autotaxin inhibitor in preclinical models of advanced stages of liver fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:693-707. [PMID: 29197066 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted phospholipase which hydrolyses lysophosphatidylcholine to generate lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The extracellular signalling molecule LPA exerts its biological actions through activation of six GPCRs expressed in various cell types including fibroblasts. Multiple preclinical studies using knockout animals, LPA receptor antagonists or ATX inhibitors have provided evidence for a potential role of the ATX/LPA axis in tissue fibrosis. Despite growing evidence for a correlation between ATX levels and the degree of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the role of ATX in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The relevance of ATX in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis was investigated by oral administration of Ex_31, a selective ATX inhibitor, in a 10 week model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and in a 14 week model of choline-deficient amino acid-defined diet-induced liver injury in rats. KEY RESULTS Oral administration of Ex_31, a selective ATX inhibitor, at 15 mg·kg-1 twice daily in therapeutic intervention mode resulted in efficient ATX inhibition and more than 95% reduction in plasma LPA levels in both studies. Treatment with Ex_31 had no effect on biomarkers of liver function, inflammation, or fibrosis and did not result in histological improvements in diseased animals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings question the role of ATX in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and the potential of small molecule ATX inhibitors for the treatment of patients with NASH and advanced stages of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Baader
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Tom Bretschneider
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Andre Broermann
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Joerg F Rippmann
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Mark
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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Carmona-Rosas G, Alfonzo-Méndez MA, Hernández-Espinosa DA, Romero-Ávila MT, García-Sáinz JA. A549 cells as a model to study endogenous LPA 1 receptor signaling and regulation. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 815:258-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Association of Serum Autotaxin Levels with Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46705. [PMID: 28425454 PMCID: PMC5397977 DOI: 10.1038/srep46705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolized by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted enzyme considered to be associated with liver damage. We sought to clarify the diagnostic ability of ATX for liver fibrosis in 593 biopsy-confirmed hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. The diagnostic accuracy of ATX was compared with clinical parameters and the established fibrosis biomarkers Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein, FIB-4 index, AST-to-platelet ratio, and Forn’s index. Median ATX levels were consistently higher in female controls and patients than in their male counterparts (P < 0.01). Serum ATX concentration increased significantly according to liver fibrosis stage in overall and both genders (P < 0.001). The cutoff values of ATX for prediction of fibrosis stages ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were 0.8, 1.1, 1.3, and 1.7 mg/L, respectively, in male patients and 0.9, 1.7, 1.8, and 2.0 mg/L, respectively, in female patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for ATX to diagnose fibrosis of ≥F2 (0.861) in male patients was superior to those of FIB-4 index and Forn’s index (P < 0.001), while that in female patients (0.801) was comparable with those of the other markers. ATX therefore represents a novel non-invasive biomarker for liver fibrosis in HCV-infected patients.
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Zuckerman V, Sokolov E, Swet JH, Ahrens WA, Showlater V, Iannitti DA, Mckillop IH. Expression and function of lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs) 1 and 3 in human hepatic cancer progenitor cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:2951-67. [PMID: 26701886 PMCID: PMC4823083 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary cancer of the liver and is characterized by rapid tumor expansion and metastasis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling, via LPA receptors 1–6 (LPARs1–6), regulates diverse cell functions including motility, migration, and proliferation, yet the role of LPARs in hepatic tumor pathology is poorly understood. We sought to determine the expression and function of endothelial differentiation gene (EDG) LPARs (LPAR1–3) in human HCC and complimentary in vitro models. Human HCC were characterized by significantly elevated LPAR1/LPAR3 expression in the microenvironment between the tumor and non-tumor liver (NTL), a finding mirrored in human SKHep1 cells. Analysis of human tissue and human hepatic tumor cells in vitro revealed cells that express LPAR3 (HCC-NTL margin in vivo and SKHep1 in vitro) also express cancer stem cell markers in the absence of hepatocyte markers. Treatment of SKHep1 cells with exogenous LPA led to significantly increased cell motility but not proliferation. Using pharmacological agents and cells transfected to knock-down LPAR1 or LPAR3 demonstrated LPA-dependent cell migration occurs via an LPAR3-Gi-ERK-pathway independent of LPAR1. These data suggest cells that stain positive for both LPAR3 and cancer stem cell markers are distinct from the tumor mass per se, and may mediate tumor invasiveness/expansion via LPA-LPAR3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugene Sokolov
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 28203
| | - Jacob H Swet
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 28203
| | - William A Ahrens
- Department of Pathology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 28203
| | - Victor Showlater
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 28203
| | - David A Iannitti
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 28203
| | - Iain H Mckillop
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 28203
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Bain G, Shannon KE, Huang F, Darlington J, Goulet L, Prodanovich P, Ma GL, Santini AM, Stein AJ, Lonergan D, King CD, Calderon I, Lai A, Hutchinson JH, Evans JF. Selective Inhibition of Autotaxin Is Efficacious in Mouse Models of Liver Fibrosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 360:1-13. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.237156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Enooku K, Uranbileg B, Ikeda H, Kurano M, Sato M, Kudo H, Maki H, Koike K, Hasegawa K, Kokudo N, Yatomi Y. Higher LPA2 and LPA6 mRNA Levels in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Are Associated with Poorer Differentiation, Microvascular Invasion and Earlier Recurrence with Higher Serum Autotaxin Levels. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161825. [PMID: 27583415 PMCID: PMC5008774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly develops in patients with liver fibrosis; in these patients, the blood levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and its generating enzyme autotaxin (ATX) increase with the liver fibrosis stage. We aimed to examine the potential relevance of ATX and LPA in HCC. Fifty-eight HCC patients who underwent surgical treatment were consecutively enrolled in the study. Among the LPA receptors in HCC, higher LPA2 mRNA levels correlated with poorer differentiation, and higher LPA6 mRNA levels correlated with microvascular invasion, which suggested a higher malignant potential of HCC with increased LPA2 and LPA6 expression. In patients with primary HCC, neither LPA2 nor LPA6 mRNA levels were associated with recurrence. However, when serum ATX levels were combined for analysis as a surrogate for plasma LPA levels, the cumulative intra-hepatic recurrence rate was higher in patients in whom both serum ATX levels and LPA2 or LPA6 mRNA levels were higher than the median. However, the mRNA level of phosphatidic acid-selective phospholipase A1ɑ, another LPA-generating enzyme, in HCC patients was not associated with pathological findings or recurrence, even in combination with the expression of LPA receptors. Higher LPA2 mRNA levels were associated with poorer differentiation, and higher LPA6 levels were associated with microvascular invasion in HCC; both became a risk factor for recurrence after surgical treatment when combined with increased serum ATX levels. ATX and LPA receptors merit consideration as therapeutic targets of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Enooku
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Baasanjav Uranbileg
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ikeda
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Makoto Kurano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Sato
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kudo
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harufumi Maki
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Shimomura K, Ando W, Moriguchi Y, Sugita N, Yasui Y, Koizumi K, Fujie H, Hart DA, Yoshikawa H, Nakamura N. Next Generation Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC)-Based Cartilage Repair Using Scaffold-Free Tissue Engineered Constructs Generated with Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cartilage 2015; 6:13S-29S. [PMID: 27340513 PMCID: PMC4481383 DOI: 10.1177/1947603515571002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its limited healing capacity, treatments for articular cartilage injuries are still challenging. Since the first report by Brittberg, autologous chondrocyte implantation has been extensively studied. Recently, as an alternative for chondrocyte-based therapy, mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has received considerable research attention because of the relative ease in handling for tissue harvest, and subsequent cell expansion and differentiation. This review summarizes latest development of stem cell therapies in cartilage repair with special attention to scaffold-free approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Shimomura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Wataru Ando
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yu Moriguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norihiko Sugita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Yasui
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kota Koizumi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Fujie
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kogakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Human Mechatronics Systems, Faculty of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David A. Hart
- McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hideki Yoshikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norimasa Nakamura
- Institute for Medical Science in Sports, Osaka Health Science University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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20
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Barbayianni E, Kaffe E, Aidinis V, Kokotos G. Autotaxin, a secreted lysophospholipase D, as a promising therapeutic target in chronic inflammation and cancer. Prog Lipid Res 2015; 58:76-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Pleli T, Martin D, Kronenberger B, Brunner F, Köberle V, Grammatikos G, Farnik H, Martinez Y, Finkelmeier F, Labocha S, Ferreirós N, Zeuzem S, Piiper A, Waidmann O. Serum autotaxin is a parameter for the severity of liver cirrhosis and overall survival in patients with liver cirrhosis--a prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103532. [PMID: 25062038 PMCID: PMC4111595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autotaxin (ATX) and its product lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are considered to be involved in the development of liver fibrosis and elevated levels of serum ATX have been found in patients with hepatitis C virus associated liver fibrosis. However, the clinical role of systemic ATX in the stages of liver cirrhosis was unknown. Here we investigated the relation of ATX serum levels and severity of cirrhosis as well as prognosis of cirrhotic patients. Methods Patients with liver cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled and followed until death, liver transplantation or last contact. Blood samples drawn at the day of inclusion in the study were assessed for ATX content by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ATX levels were correlated with the stage as well as complications of cirrhosis. The prognostic value of ATX was investigated by uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. LPA concentration was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results 270 patients were enrolled. Subjects with liver cirrhosis showed elevated serum levels of ATX as compared to healthy subjects (0.814±0.42 mg/l vs. 0.258±0.40 mg/l, P<0.001). Serum ATX levels correlated with the Child-Pugh stage and the MELD (model of end stage liver disease) score and LPA levels (r = 0.493, P = 0.027). Patients with hepatic encephalopathy (P = 0.006), esophageal varices (P = 0.002) and portal hypertensive gastropathy (P = 0.008) had higher ATX levels than patients without these complications. Low ATX levels were a parameter independently associated with longer overall survival (hazard ratio 0.575, 95% confidence interval 0.365–0.905, P = 0.017). Conclusion Serum ATX is an indicator for the severity of liver disease and the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pleli
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Martin
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bernd Kronenberger
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Friederike Brunner
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Verena Köberle
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Georgios Grammatikos
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Farnik
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yolanda Martinez
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Fabian Finkelmeier
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sandra Labocha
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nerea Ferreirós
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Albrecht Piiper
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail: (AP); (OW)
| | - Oliver Waidmann
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail: (AP); (OW)
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Simo KA, Niemeyer DJ, Hanna EM, Swet JH, Thompson KJ, Sindram D, Iannitti DA, Eheim AL, Sokolov E, Zuckerman V, McKillop IH. Altered lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor expression during hepatic regeneration in a mouse model of partial hepatectomy. HPB (Oxford) 2014; 16:534-42. [PMID: 24750398 PMCID: PMC4048075 DOI: 10.1111/hpb.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic regeneration requires coordinated signal transduction for efficient restoration of functional liver mass. This study sought to determine changes in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and LPA receptor (LPAR) 1-6 expression in regenerating liver following two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx). METHODS Liver tissue and blood were collected from male C57BL/6 mice following PHx. Circulating LPA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and hepatic LPAR mRNA and protein expression were determined. RESULTS Circulating LPA increased 72 h after PHx and remained significantly elevated for up to 7 days post-PHx. Analysis of LPAR expression after PHx demonstrated significant increases in LPAR1, LPAR3 and LPAR6 mRNA and protein in a time-dependent manner for up to 7 days post-PHx. Conversely, LPAR2, LPAR4 and LPAR5 mRNA were barely detected in normal liver and did not significantly change after PHx. Changes in LPAR1 expression were confined to non-parenchymal cells following PHx. CONCLUSIONS Liver regeneration following PHx is associated with significant changes in circulating LPA and hepatic LPAR1, LPAR3 and LPAR6 expression in a time- and cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, changes in LPA-LPAR post-PHx occur after the first round of hepatocyte division is complete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri A Simo
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
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Zhang X, Xu L, Wei S, Zhai M, Li J. Stimuli responsive deswelling of radiation synthesized collagen hydrogel in simulated physiological environment. J Biomed Mater Res A 2012; 101:2191-201. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Ikeda H, Yatomi Y. Autotaxin in liver fibrosis. Clin Chim Acta 2012; 413:1817-21. [PMID: 22820036 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX) hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine to produce lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a multi-functional bioactive lipid mediator. ATX is a major determinant of LPA levels in the blood, and the pathophysiological functions of ATX are thought to be largely attributed to its ability to produce LPA. Liver fibrosis is one of the rare disorders exhibiting the increased ATX and LPA levels in the blood. This review summarizes the recent findings on the relation between ATX or LPA and liver fibrosis, the usefulness of serum ATX levels to predict the stages of liver fibrosis, and speculated roles of increased serum ATX and plasma LPA levels in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Ikeda
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
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Kumar J, Epstein DL. Rho GTPase-mediated cytoskeletal organization in Schlemm's canal cells play a critical role in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow facility. J Cell Biochem 2011; 112:600-6. [PMID: 21268081 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The increased intraocular pressure (IOP) has been considered to be an increased resistance of the aqueous humor outflow through the inner wall of Schlemm's canal (SC) and/or the juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT). The Rho GTPase-regulated actomyosin organization appears to be an important mechanistic determinant of aqueous humor outflow facility. Therefore, in this study, we have evaluated the effects of modulating Rho GTPase activity on actomyosin cytoskeletal organization, monolayer permeability/barrier function of human SC cells, and aqueous humor outflow facility in enucleated porcine eyes ex vivo. Human SC cells, isolated from cadaver eyes, were treated with either Rho GTPase activators such as thrombin and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), or a specific inhibitor (C3-exoenzyme) of Rho GTPases. Treatment of SC cells with thrombin and LPA led to increased formation of stress fibers, focal adhesion, and increased myosin light chain phosphorylation, whereas treatment with C3-exoenzyme showed the opposite effects like H-7 and ECA, known for increasing the outflow facility in porcine eyes. The findings presented here suggest that LPA and thrombin, presumably through activation of Rho GTPase-mediated actomyosin cytoskeletal reorganization in SC cells, cause a decrease in monolayer permeability of SC cells as well as a decrease in outflow facility of porcine eyes in ex vivo. Our results suggest that decrease in aqueous humor outflow may be correlated better with the changes in cytoskeletal organizations of SC, which could be the prime locus of the outflow resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janardan Kumar
- Department of Natural Sciences, Becker College, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, USA.
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Ji H, Meng Y, Zhang X, Luo W, Wu P, Xiao B, Zhang Z, Li X. Aldosterone induction of hepatic stellate cell contraction through activation of RhoA/ROCK-2 signaling pathway. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 169:13-20. [PMID: 21545816 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The RhoA/ROCK-2 signaling pathway is necessary for activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction. HSC contraction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. This study investigated whether aldosterone contributes to HSC contraction by activation of the RhoA/ROCK-2 signaling pathway. Primary HSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats via in situ pronase/collagenase perfusion. We found that aldosterone enhanced the contraction of a collagen lattice seeded with HSCs. This induced contraction was suppressed by the mineralcorticoid receptor (MR) inhibitor spironolactone, the ROCK-2 inhibitor Y27632, and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) inhibitor irbesartan. Moreover, actin fiber staining showed that aldosterone significantly increased actin fiber formation in HSCs. Pre-incubating with spironolactone, Y27632, or irbesartan inhibited the aldosterone-induced actin fiber reorganization. Molecularly, the effect of aldosterone on activation of HSC contraction was mediated by phosphorylated myosin light chain (P-MLC) through the RhoA/ROCK-2 signaling pathway. All these inhibitors had the ability to block aldosterone-induced protein expressions in the RhoA/ROCK-2/P-MLC cascade in HSCs. Taken together, our current study suggests that aldosterone induces contraction of activated HSCs through the activation of the RhoA/ROCK-2 signaling pathway. This finding may provide a potential therapeutic target for control of cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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27
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Hernandez-Gea V, Friedman SL. Pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2011; 6:425-56. [PMID: 21073339 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-011110-130246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1269] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to chronic viral hepatitis and, more recently, from fatty liver disease associated with obesity. Hepatic stellate cell activation represents a critical event in fibrosis because these cells become the primary source of extracellular matrix in liver upon injury. Use of cell-culture and animal models has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms underlying stellate cell activation and has shed new light on genetic regulation, the contribution of immune signaling, and the potential reversibility of the disease. As pathways of fibrogenesis are increasingly clarified, the key challenge will be translating new advances into the development of antifibrotic therapies for patients with chronic liver disease.
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Nakagawa H, Ikeda H, Nakamura K, Ohkawa R, Masuzaki R, Tateishi R, Yoshida H, Watanabe N, Tejima K, Kume Y, Iwai T, Suzuki A, Tomiya T, Inoue Y, Nishikawa T, Ohtomo N, Tanoue Y, Omata M, Igarashi K, Aoki J, Koike K, Yatomi Y. Autotaxin as a novel serum marker of liver fibrosis. Clin Chim Acta 2011; 412:1201-6. [PMID: 21419756 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2011.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical significance of autotaxin (ATX), a key enzyme for the production of the bioactive lysophospholipid lysophosphatidic acid remains unknown. Serum ATX enzymatic activity reportedly increases in parallel with liver fibrosis and exhibits a gender difference. METHODS Serum ATX antigen level, measured easier than the activity, was evaluated as a marker of liver fibrosis in 2 cohorts of chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus. RESULTS In the first cohort, serum ATX level correlated significantly with liver fibrosis stage and was the best parameter for prediction of cirrhosis with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.756 in male and 0.760 in female, when compared with serum hyaluronic acid and aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, an established marker of liver fibrosis. In another cohort, serum ATX level correlated significantly with liver stiffness, a novel reliable marker of liver fibrosis, being the second-best parameter in male (AUROC, 0.799) and in female (AUROC, 0.876) for prediction of significant fibrosis, and the best parameter in male (AUROC, 0.863) and the third-best parameter in female (AUROC, 0.872) for prediction of cirrhosis, both of which were judged by liver stiffness. CONCLUSIONS Serum ATX level may be a novel marker of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Ando W, Tateishi K, Katakai D, Hart DA, Higuchi C, Nakata K, Hashimoto J, Fujie H, Shino K, Yoshikawa H, Nakamura N. In vitro generation of a scaffold-free tissue-engineered construct (TEC) derived from human synovial mesenchymal stem cells: biological and mechanical properties and further chondrogenic potential. Tissue Eng Part A 2009; 14:2041-9. [PMID: 18636944 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2008.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize a tissue-engineered construct (TEC) generated with human synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs were cultured in medium with ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc-2P) and were subsequently detached from the substratum. The detached cell/matrix complex spontaneously contracted to develop a basic TEC. The volume of the TEC assessed by varying initial cell density showed that it was proportional to initial cell densities up to 4 x 10(5) cells/cm(2). Assessment of the mechanical properties of TEC using a custom device showed that the load at failure and stiffness of the constructs significantly increased with time of culture in the presence of Asc-2P, while in the absence of Asc-2P, the constructs were mechanically weak. Thus, the basic TEC possesses sufficiently self-supporting mechanical properties in spite of not containing artificial scaffolding. TEC further cultured in chondrogenic media exhibited positive alcian blue staining with elevated expression of chondrogenic marker genes. Based on these findings, such human TEC may be a promising method to promote cartilage repair for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Ando
- Department of Orthopaedics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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30
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Sohail MA, Hashmi AZ, Hakim W, Watanabe A, Zipprich A, Groszmann RJ, Dranoff JA, Torok NJ, Mehal WZ. Adenosine induces loss of actin stress fibers and inhibits contraction in hepatic stellate cells via Rho inhibition. Hepatology 2009; 49:185-94. [PMID: 18844235 PMCID: PMC3129263 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Rho/ROCK pathway is activated in differentiated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and is necessary for assembly of actin stress fibers, contractility, and chemotaxis. Despite the importance of this pathway in HSC biology, physiological inhibitors of the Rho/ROCK pathway in HSCs are not known. We demonstrate that adenosine induces loss of actin stress fibers in the LX-2 cell line and primary HSCs in a manner indistinguishable from Rho/ROCK inhibition. Loss of actin stress fibers occurs via the A2a receptor at adenosine concentrations above 10 muM, which are present during tissue injury. We further demonstrate that loss of actin stress fibers is due to a cyclic adenosine monophosphate, protein kinase A-mediated pathway that results in Rho inhibition. Furthermore, a constitutively active Rho construct can inhibit the ability of adenosine to induce loss of actin stress fibers. Actin stress fibers are required for HSC contraction, and we demonstrate that adenosine inhibits endothelin-1 and lysophosphatidic acid-mediated HSC contraction. We propose that adenosine is a physiological inhibitor of the Rho pathway in HSCs with functional consequences, including loss of HSC contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wyel Hakim
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Azuma Watanabe
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | | | | | | | - Natalie J. Torok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, CA
| | - Wajahat Z. Mehal
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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31
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Lee JS, Kim JH. [The role of activated hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis, portal hypertension and cancer angiogenesis]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2008; 13:309-19. [PMID: 17898548 DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2007.13.3.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although hepatic stellate cells, which are liver specific pericytes, have been recognized within the vasculature of the sinusoid for more than one hundred years, the biology and function of these cells is unclear. Recent studies have highlighted the key role of stellate cells in a number of fundamental processes that include wound healing/fibrosis, vasoregulation, and vascular remodeling/angiogenesis. In the liver, these processes are particularly important in the development of cirrhosis, portal hypertension and cancer. This article highlights the recent advances in our understanding of the biology of hepatic stellate cells and discusses some of the recently-ascribed functions that are relevant to liver fibrosis, portal hypertension and cancer angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Sung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.
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32
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Soon RK, Yee HF. Stellate cell contraction: role, regulation, and potential therapeutic target. Clin Liver Dis 2008; 12:791-803, viii. [PMID: 18984467 PMCID: PMC2600510 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The contraction of hepatic stellate cells has been proposed to mediate fibrosis by regulating sinusoidal blood flow and extracellular matrix remodeling. Abundant data from diverse, yet complementary, experimental methods support a robust model for the regulation of contractile force generation by stellate cells. In this model, soluble factors associated with liver injury, including endothelin 1 and nitric oxide, are transduced primarily through Rho signaling pathways that promote the myosin II-powered generation of contractile force by stellate cells. The enhanced knowledge of the role and differential regulation of stellate cell contraction may facilitate the discovery of new and targeted strategies for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell K. Soon
- Research Associate, Department of Medicine and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hal F. Yee
- William and Mary Ann Rice Memorial Distinguished Professor, Department of Medicine and Liver Center, University of California San Francisco; Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, San Francisco General Hospital; San Francisco, California
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Menezes GC, Miron-Mendoza M, Ho CH, Jiang H, Grinnell F. Oncogenic Ras-transformed human fibroblasts exhibit differential changes in contraction and migration in 3D collagen matrices. Exp Cell Res 2008; 314:3081-91. [PMID: 18708049 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2008.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Revised: 07/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/22/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tractional force exerted by tissue cells in 3D collagen matrices can be utilized for matrix remodeling or cell migration. The interrelationship between these motile processes is not well understood. The current studies were carried out to test the consequences of oncogenic Ras (H-Ras(V12)) transformation on human fibroblast contraction and migration in 3D collagen matrices. Beginning with hTERT-immortalized cells, we prepared fibroblasts stably transformed with E6/E7 and with the combination HPV16 E6/E7 and H-Ras(V12). Oncogenic Ras-transformed cells lost contact inhibition of cell growth, formed colonies in soft agar and were unable to make adherens junctions. We observed no changes in the extent or growth factor dependence of collagen matrix contraction (floating or stress-relaxation) by oncogenic Ras-transformed cells. On the other hand, transformed cells in nested collagen matrices lost not only growth factor selectivity, but also cell-matrix density-dependent inhibition of migration. These findings demonstrate differential regulation of collagen matrix contraction and cell migration in 3D collagen matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo C Menezes
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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34
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Reynaert H, Urbain D, Geerts A. Regulation of sinusoidal perfusion in portal hypertension. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2008; 291:693-8. [PMID: 18484616 DOI: 10.1002/ar.20669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Portal hypertension, a major complication of cirrhosis, is caused by both increased portal blood flow and augmented intrahepatic vascular resistance. Even though the latter is primarily caused by anatomical changes, it has become clear that dynamic factors contribute to the increased hepatic vascular resistance. The hepatic sinusoid is the narrowest vascular structure within the liver and is the principal site of blood flow regulation. The anatomical location of hepatic stellate cells, which embrace the sinusoids, provides a favorable arrangement for sinusoidal constriction, and for control of sinusoidal vascular tone and blood flow. Hepatic stellate cells possess the essential contractile apparatus for cell contraction and relaxation. Moreover, the mechanisms of stellate cell contraction are better understood, and many substances which influence contractility have been identified, providing a rationale and opportunity for targeting these cells in the treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Reynaert
- Department of Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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35
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Jiang H, Rhee S, Ho CH, Grinnell F. Distinguishing fibroblast promigratory and procontractile growth factor environments in 3-D collagen matrices. FASEB J 2008; 22:2151-60. [PMID: 18272655 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-097014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding growth factor function during wound repair is necessary for the development of therapeutic interventions to improve healing outcomes. In the current study, we compare the effects of serum and purified growth factors on human fibroblast function in three different collagen matrix models: cell migration in nested matrices, floating matrix contraction, and stressed-released matrix contraction. The results of these studies indicate that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is unique in its capacity to promote cell migration. Serum, lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine-1-phophate (S1P), and endothelin-1 promote stressed-released matrix contraction but not cell migration. In addition, we found that S1P inhibits fibroblast migration and treatment of serum to remove lipid growth factors or treatment of cells to interfere with S1P(2) receptor function increases serum promigratory activity. Our findings suggest that different sets of growth factors generate promigratory and procontractile tissue environments for fibroblasts and that the balance between PDGF and S1P is a key determinant of fibroblast promigratory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
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36
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Ikeda H, Kume Y, Tejima K, Tomiya T, Nishikawa T, Watanabe N, Ohtomo N, Arai M, Arai C, Omata M, Fujiwara K, Yatomi Y. Rho-kinase inhibitor prevents hepatocyte damage in acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2007; 293:G911-7. [PMID: 17761835 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00210.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A protective effect of Rho-kinase inhibitor on various organ injuries is gaining attention. Regarding liver injury, Rho-kinase inhibitor is reported to prevent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- or dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Because Rho-kinase inhibitor not only improved liver fibrosis but also reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, we wondered whether Rho-kinase inhibitor might exert a direct hepatocyte-protective effect. We examined this possibility in acute CCl4 intoxication in rats. Rho-kinase inhibitor, HA-1077, reduced serum alanine ALT level in rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl4 with the improvement of histological damage and the reduction of the number of apoptotic cells. In cultured rat hepatocytes in serum-free condition, HA-1077 reduced apoptosis evaluated by quantitative determination of cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA oligonucleosome fragments with the reduction of caspase-3 activity and the enhancement of Bcl-2 expression. HA-1077 stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, and wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/Akt pathway, abrogated the reduction of hepatocyte apoptosis by HA-1077 in vitro. Furthermore, wortmannin abrogated the reduction of serum ALT level by HA-1077 in rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl4, suggesting that the activation of PI3-kinase/Akt pathway may be involved in the hepatocyte-protective effect by Rho-kinase inhibitor in vivo. In conclusion, Rho-kinase inhibitor prevented hepatocyte damage in acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats and merits consideration as a hepatocyte-protective agent in liver injury, considering its direct antiapoptotic effect on hepatocytes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Ikeda
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, The Univ. of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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Watanabe N, Ikeda H, Nakamura K, Ohkawa R, Kume Y, Tomiya T, Tejima K, Nishikawa T, Arai M, Yanase M, Aoki J, Arai H, Omata M, Fujiwara K, Yatomi Y. Plasma lysophosphatidic acid level and serum autotaxin activity are increased in liver injury in rats in relation to its severity. Life Sci 2007; 81:1009-15. [PMID: 17850827 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2007.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 08/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator with multiple biological actions. We have reported that LPA stimulates hepatic stellate cell proliferation and inhibits DNA synthesis in hepatocytes, suggesting that LPA might play some role in the liver. We have found that plasma LPA level and serum autotaxin (ATX) activity were increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the clinical significance of LPA and its synthetic enzyme, autotaxin (ATX), is still unclear. To determine whether the increase of plasma LPA level and serum ATX activity might be found generally in liver injury, we examined the possible modulation of them in the blood in rats with various liver injuries. Plasma LPA level and serum ATX activity were increased in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis correlatively with fibrosis grade, in dimethylnitrosamine-induced acute liver injury correlatively with serum alanine aminotransferase level or in 70% hepatectomy as early as 3 h after the operation. Plasma LPA level was correlated with serum ATX activity in rats with chronic and acute liver injury. ATX mRNA in the liver was not altered in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Plasma LPA level and serum ATX activity are increased in various liver injuries in relation to their severity. Whether increased ATX and LPA in the blood in liver injury is simply a result or also a cause of the injury should be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Watanabe N, Ikeda H, Nakamura K, Ohkawa R, Kume Y, Aoki J, Hama K, Okudaira S, Tanaka M, Tomiya T, Yanase M, Tejima K, Nishikawa T, Arai M, Arai H, Omata M, Fujiwara K, Yatomi Y. Both plasma lysophosphatidic acid and serum autotaxin levels are increased in chronic hepatitis C. J Clin Gastroenterol 2007; 41:616-23. [PMID: 17577119 DOI: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000225642.90898.0e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent accumulating evidence indicates that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator, abundantly present in blood, with a wide range of biologic actions including the regulation of proliferation and contraction in liver cells. Although it is speculated that LPA might play a role in pathophysiologic processes in vivo, not only its role but also even a possible alteration in its blood concentration under specific diseases is essentially unknown. Autotaxin (ATX), originally purified as an autocrine motility factor for melanoma cells, was revealed to be a key enzyme in LPA synthesis. We determined LPA and ATX levels in the blood of patients with liver disease. METHODS ATX activity was measured by determining choline with the substrate of lysophosphatidylcholine, and the LPA level by an enzymatic cycling method in 41 patients with chronic hepatitis C. RESULTS The serum ATX activity and plasma LPA level were significantly increased in patients, and were correlated positively with serum hyaluronic acid, and negatively with platelets, albumin, and prothrombin time. The plasma LPA level was strongly correlated with serum ATX activity. There were significant correlations between the histologic stage of fibrosis and both the serum ATX activity and plasma LPA level. CONCLUSIONS The serum ATX activity and plasma LPA level are increased in chronic hepatitis C in association with liver fibrosis. Our study may provide the first evidence showing a significant increase of both ATX and LPA in the blood under a specific disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Wixler V, Hirner S, Müller JM, Gullotti L, Will C, Kirfel J, Günther T, Schneider H, Bosserhoff A, Schorle H, Park J, Schüle R, Buettner R. Deficiency in the LIM-only protein Fhl2 impairs skin wound healing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 177:163-72. [PMID: 17420295 PMCID: PMC2064120 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200606043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
After skin wounding, the repair process is initiated by the release of growth factors, cytokines, and bioactive lipids from injured vessels and coagulated platelets. These signal molecules induce synthesis and deposition of a provisional extracellular matrix, as well as fibroblast invasion into and contraction of the wounded area. We previously showed that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) triggers a signal transduction cascade mediating nuclear translocation of the LIM-only protein Fhl2 in response to activation of the RhoA GTPase (Muller, J.M., U. Isele, E. Metzger, A. Rempel, M. Moser, A. Pscherer, T. Breyer, C. Holubarsch, R. Buettner, and R. Schule. 2000. EMBO J. 19:359-369; Muller, J.M., E. Metzger, H. Greschik, A.K. Bosserhoff, L. Mercep, R. Buettner, and R. Schule. 2002. EMBO J. 21:736-748.). We demonstrate impaired cutaneous wound healing in Fhl2-deficient mice rescued by transgenic expression of Fhl2. Furthermore, collagen contraction and cell migration are severely impaired in Fhl2-deficient cells. Consequently, we show that the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, which is regulated by Fhl2, is reduced and delayed in wounds of Fhl2-deficient mice and that the expression of p130Cas, which is essential for cell migration, is reduced in Fhl2-deficient cells. In summary, our data demonstrate a function of Fhl2 as a lipid-triggered signaling molecule in mesenchymal cells regulating their migration and contraction during cutaneous wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Wixler
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Münster University Hospital Medical School, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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Yamamoto T, Fujita K, Asari S, Chiba A, Kataba Y, Ohsumi K, Ohmuta N, Iida Y, Ijichi C, Iwayama S, Fukuchi N, Shoji M. Synthesis and evaluation of isoxazole derivatives as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:3736-40. [PMID: 17467986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2006] [Revised: 03/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A series of isoxazole derivatives were synthesized and their antagonistic activities against LPA stimulation on both LPA(1)/CHO cells and rHSC cells were evaluated. Among them, 3-(4-[4-[1-(2-chloro-cyclopent-1-enyl)-ethoxycarbonylamino]-isoxazol-3- y]]-benzylsulfanyl)-propionic acid (34) showed the most potent activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamamoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, Ajinomoto Company Inc., 1-1 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi 210-8681, Japan
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Laleman W, Van Landeghem L, Severi T, Vander Elst I, Zeegers M, Bisschops R, Van Pelt J, Roskams T, Cassiman D, Fevery J, Nevens F. Both Ca2+ -dependent and -independent pathways are involved in rat hepatic stellate cell contraction and intrahepatic hyperresponsiveness to methoxamine. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2007; 292:G556-64. [PMID: 17008556 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00196.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been implicated as regulators of sinusoidal vascular tone. We studied the relative role of Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent contraction pathways in rat HSCs and correlated these findings to in situ perfused cirrhotic rat livers. Contraction of primary rat HSCs was studied by a stress-relaxed collagen lattice model. Dose-response curves to the Ca(2+) ionophore A-23187 and to the calmodulin/myosin light chain kinase inhibitor W-7 served to study Ca(2+)-dependent pathways. Y-27632, staurosporin, and calyculin (inhibitors of Rho kinase, protein kinase C, and myosin light chain phosphatase, respectively) were used to investigate Ca(2+)-independent pathways. The actomyosin interaction, the common end target, was inhibited by 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Additionally, the effects of W-7, Y-27632, and staurosporin on intrahepatic vascular resistance were evaluated by in situ perfusion of normal and thioacetamide-treated cirrhotic rat livers stimulated with methoxamine (n = 25 each). In vitro, HSC contraction was shown to be actomyosin based with a regulating role for both Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent pathways. Although the former seem important, an important auxiliary role for the latter was illustrated through their involvement in the phenomenon of "Ca(2+) sensitization." In vivo, preincubation of cirrhotic livers with Y-27632 (10(-4) M) and staurosporin (25 nM), more than with W-7 (10(-4) M), significantly reduced the hyperresponsiveness to methoxamine (10(-4) M) by -66.8 +/- 1.3%, -52.4 +/- 2.7%, and -28.7 +/- 2.8%, respectively, whereas in normal livers this was significantly less: -43.1 +/- 4.2%, -40.2 +/- 4.2%, and -3.8 +/- 6.3%, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that HSC contraction is based on both Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent pathways, which were shown to be upregulated in the perfused cirrhotic liver, with a predominance of Ca(2+)-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Laleman
- Dept of Hepatology, Univ Hospital Gasthuisberg, K U Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Zhang Y, Ikegami T, Honda A, Miyazaki T, Bouscarel B, Rojkind M, Hyodo I, Matsuzaki Y. Involvement of integrin-linked kinase in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Hepatology 2006; 44:612-22. [PMID: 16941698 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a multidomain focal adhesion protein implicated in signal transduction between integrins and growth factor receptors. Although its expression is upregulated in pulmonary and renal fibrosis, its role in the development of hepatic fibrosis remains to be determined. Therefore, we considered it important to investigate whether ILK is involved in activation of hepatic stellate cells and thus plays a role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis of liver sections obtained from rats with CCl4-induced cirrhosis revealed increased expression and colocalization of ILK and alpha-smooth muscle actin in hepatic stellate cells in perisinusoidal areas. In addition, hepatic stellate cells isolated from fibrotic livers expressed high levels of ILK and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and their expression was sustained in culture. In contrast, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from normal rat liver did not express ILK, but its expression was increased when the cells were activated in culture. Our studies also showed that ILK is involved in the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK, and PKB and that selective inhibition of ILK expression by siRNA results in a significant decrease in their phosphorylation. These changes were accompanied by significant inhibition of cell spreading and migration without affecting cell proliferation. In conclusion, ILK plays a key role in HSC activation and could be a possible target for antifibrogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Zhang
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukaba City, and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Kasumigaura Hospital, Japan
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43
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Ikeda H, Nagashima K, Yanase M, Tomiya T, Arai M, Inoue Y, Tejima K, Nishikawa T, Watanabe N, Kitamura K, Isono T, Yahagi N, Noiri E, Inao M, Mochida S, Kume Y, Yatomi Y, Nakahara K, Omata M, Fujiwara K. The herbal medicine inchin-ko-to (TJ-135) induces apoptosis in cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. Life Sci 2006; 78:2226-33. [PMID: 16280138 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 09/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Use of herbal remedies in the treatment of various diseases has a long tradition in Eastern medicine and the liver diseases are not an exception. In their use, lack of elucidation of mechanism(s) as well as randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials has been a problem. Recently, we and others reported that inchin-ko-to (TJ-135), one of herbal remedies, suppressed hepatic fibrosis in animal models. In the course of clarifying the mechanism, we directed our focus on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), playing a pivotal role in hepatic fibrosis, and found that rat HSCs cultured with TJ-135 changed their morphology to star-like configuration with thin, slender and dendritic processes with fewer stress fibers, which might be the features in apoptosis. In fact, TJ-135 induced HSC apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner as judged by the nuclear morphology, quantitation of cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA oligonucleosome fragments and caspase 3 activity. In HSCs treated with TJ-135, increased expression of p53 and decreased expression of Bcl-2 and phosphorylated Akt and Bad were determined. HSC apoptosis is shown to be involved in the mechanisms of spontaneous resolution of rat hepatic fibrosis and the agent which induces HSC apoptosis has been shown to reduce experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats. Thus, the induction of HSC apoptosis could be the mechanism how TJ-135 works on the resolution of hepatic fibrosis. Our current data may shed light on the novel effect of the herbal remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan.
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44
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Melton AC, Datta A, Yee HF. [Ca2+]i-independent contractile force generation by rat hepatic stellate cells in response to endothelin-1. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2006; 290:G7-13. [PMID: 16123199 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00337.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The contractile force generated by hepatic stellate cells in response to endothelin-1 contributes to sinusoidal blood flow regulation and hepatic fibrosis. This study's aim was to directly test the widely held view that changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) mediate stellate cell force generation. Contractile force generation by primary cultures of rat hepatic stellate cells grown in three-dimensional collagen gels was directly and quantitatively measured using a force transducer. Stellate cell [Ca2+]i, myosin activation, and migration were quantified using standard techniques. [Ca2+]i was modulated using ionomycin, BAPTA, KCl, and removal of extracellular Ca2+. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not alter endothelin-1-stimulated force development or [Ca2+]i. Ionomycin, a Ca2+ ionophore, triggered an increase in [Ca2+]i that was three times greater than that stimulated by endothelin-1, but only induced 16% of the force and 38% of the myosin regulatory light chain (MLC) phosphorylation induced by endothelin-1. Physiological increases in [Ca2+]i induced by hyperkalemia had no effect on contractile force. Loading BAPTA, a Ca2+ chelator, in stellate cells completely blocked endothelin-1-induced increases in [Ca2+]i but had no effect on endothelin-1-stimulated force generation or MLC phosphorylation. In contrast, Y-27632, a selective rho-associated kinase inhibitor, inhibited endothelin-1-stimulated force generation by at least 70% and MLC phosphorylation by at least 80%. Taken together, these observations indicate that changes in [Ca2+]i are neither necessary nor sufficient for contractile force generation by rat stellate cells. Our results challenge the current model of contractile regulation in hepatic stellate cells and have important implications for our understanding of hepatic pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Melton
- Liver Center and Department of Medicine, University of San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, Bldg. 40, Rm. 4102, 1001 Potrero Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
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45
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DeHart GW, Jones JCR. Myosin-mediated cytoskeleton contraction and Rho GTPases regulate laminin-5 matrix assembly. CELL MOTILITY AND THE CYTOSKELETON 2004; 57:107-17. [PMID: 14691950 DOI: 10.1002/cm.10161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Laminin-5 is a major structural element of epithelial tissue basement membranes. In the matrix of cultured epithelial cells, laminin-5 is arranged into intricate patterns. Here we tested a hypothesis that myosin II-mediated actin contraction is necessary for the proper assembly of a laminin-5 matrix by cultured SCC12 epithelial cells. To do so, the cells were treated with ML-7, a myosin II light chain kinase inhibitor, or Y-27632, an inhibitor of Rho-kinase (ROCK), both of which block actomyosin contraction. Under these conditions, laminin-5 shows an aberrant localization in dense patches at the cell periphery. Since ROCK activity is regulated by the small GTPase Rho, this suggests that members of the Rho family of GTPases may also be important for laminin-5 matrix assembly by SCC12 cells. We confirmed this hypothesis since SCC12 cells expressing mutant proteins that inhibit RhoA, Rac, and Cdc42 assemble the same aberrant laminin-5 protein arrays as drug-treated cells. We have also evaluated the organization of the laminin-5 receptors alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4 integrin and hemidesmosome proteins in ML-7- and Y-27632-treated cells or in cells in which RhoA, Rac, and Cdc42 activity were inhibited. In all instances, alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4 integrin heterodimers, as well as hemidesmosome proteins, localize precisely with laminin-5 in the matrix of the cells. In summary, our results provide evidence that myosin II-mediated actin contraction and the activity of Rho GTPases are necessary for the proper organization of a laminin-5 matrix and localization of hemidesmosome protein arrays in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W DeHart
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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46
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Yanase M, Ikeda H, Matsui A, Noiri E, Tomiya T, Arai M, Inoue Y, Tejima K, Nagashima K, Nishikawa T, Kimura S, Fujiwara K, Rojkind M, Ogata I. HMG-COA reductase inhibitor modulates collagen GEL-contraction by hepatic myofibroblast-like stellate cell line: involvement of geranylgeranylated proteins. COMPARATIVE HEPATOLOGY 2004; 3 Suppl 1:S21. [PMID: 14960173 PMCID: PMC2410241 DOI: 10.1186/1476-5926-2-s1-s21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Yanase
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsushi Matsui
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Saitama Medical School, Saitama, Japan
| | - Eisei Noiri
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Tomiya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masahiro Arai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yukiko Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Tejima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kayo Nagashima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takako Nishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kimura
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Fujiwara
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Saitama Medical School, Saitama, Japan
| | - Marcos Rojkind
- Experimental Pathology Section, Department of Clinical Investigation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Department of Biochemistry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Itsuro Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kawakita General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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47
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Emmert DA, Fee JA, Goeckeler ZM, Grojean JM, Wakatsuki T, Elson EL, Herring BP, Gallagher PJ, Wysolmerski RB. Rho-kinase-mediated Ca2+-independent contraction in rat embryo fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2004; 286:C8-21. [PMID: 12967916 PMCID: PMC2823795 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00428.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Thus far, determining the relative contribution of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and Ca2+-independent Rho-kinase pathways to myosin II activation and contraction has been difficult. In this study, we characterize the role of Rho-kinase in a rat embryo fibroblast cell line (REF-52), which contains no detectable MLCK. No endogenous MLCK could be detected in REF-52 cells by either Western or Northern blot analysis. In the presence or absence of Ca2+, thrombin or lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) increased RhoA activity and Rhokinase activity, correlating with isometric tension development and myosin II regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation. Resting tension is associated with a basal phosphorylation of 0.31 +/- 0.02 mol PO4/mol RLC, whereas upon LPA or thrombin treatment myosin II RLC phosphorylation increases to 1.08 +/- 0.05 and 0.82 +/- 0.05 mol PO4/mol RLC, respectively, within 2.5 min. Ca2+ chelation has minimal effect on the kinetics and magnitude of isometric tension development and RLC phosphorylation. Treatment of REF-52 cells with the Rho-kinase-specific inhibitor Y-27632 abolished thrombin- and LPA-stimulated contraction and RLC phosphorylation. These results suggest that Rho-kinase is sufficient to activate myosin II motor activity and contraction in REF-52 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Emmert
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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48
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Murata T, Arii S, Mori A, Imamura M. Therapeutic significance of Y-27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, on the established liver fibrosis. J Surg Res 2003; 114:64-71. [PMID: 13678700 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-4804(03)00202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, we demonstrated that Y-27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, inhibited hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation in terms of cellular morphology, improved the progression of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced rat liver fibrosis. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Y-27632 on the established liver fibrosis. METHODS AND METHODS Liver cirrhosis was induced by intragastric administration of CCl(4) once a week for 12 weeks. After the first 6 weeks of CCl(4) injection, Y-27632 (30 mg/kg body weight) or saline was continuously administered to the rats via an intraperitoneally implanted osmotic pump during the final 6 weeks of CCl(4) injection. Two days after the last CCl(4) injection, 70% hepatectomy was performed. RESULTS Y-27632 prevented the development of CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis and improved the fibrotic changes, hydroxyproline content, and serum hyaluronic acid level in the liver. Moreover, Y-27632 reduced the number of smooth muscle alpha-actin- and transforming growth factor beta1-positive cells, and inhibited the expression of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger mRNA which was reported to be an indicator of HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. Further, the Y-27632-treated group showed markedly increased survival rate after hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that Y-27632 may be useful therapeutically in liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Murata
- Department of Surgery and Surgical Basic Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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49
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Ikeda H, Nagashima K, Yanase M, Tomiya T, Arai M, Inoue Y, Tejima K, Nishikawa T, Omata M, Kimura S, Fujiwara K. Involvement of Rho/Rho kinase pathway in regulation of apoptosis in rat hepatic stellate cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2003; 285:G880-6. [PMID: 12829436 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00039.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Recent evidence has revealed that HSCs also play a role in its resolution, where HSC apoptosis was determined. Moreover, induction of HSC apoptosis caused a reduction of experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats. Thus knowing the mechanism of HSC apoptosis might be important to clarify the pathophysiology and establish the therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. In HSCs, Rho and Rho kinase are known to regulate contraction, migration, and proliferation with modulation of cell morphology. Controversy exists as to the participation of Rho and Rho kinase on cell survival, and little is known regarding this matter in HSCs. In this study, we directed our focus on the role of the Rho pathway in the regulation of HSC survival. C3, an inhibitor of Rho, increased histone-associated DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activity with enhanced condensation of nuclear chromatin in rat cultured HSCs. Moreover, Y-27632, an inhibitor of Rho kinase, had the same effects, suggesting that inhibition of the Rho/Rho kinase pathway causes HSC apoptosis. On the other hand, lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates the Rho/Rho kinase pathway, decreased histone-associated DNA fragmentation in HSCs. Inhibition of the Rho/Rho kinase pathway did not affect p53, Bcl-2, or Bax levels in HSCs. Thus we concluded that the Rho/Rho kinase pathway may play a role in the regulation of HSC survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Ikeda
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Univ. of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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50
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Abe M, Ho CH, Kamm KE, Grinnell F. Different molecular motors mediate platelet-derived growth factor and lysophosphatidic acid-stimulated floating collagen matrix contraction. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:47707-12. [PMID: 14504290 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m306228200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-collagen matrix contraction has been used as a model system to study how cells organize connective tissue. Previous work showed that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-stimulated floating collagen matrix contraction is independent of Rho kinase, whereas platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated contraction is Rho kinase-dependent. The current studies were carried out to learn more about the molecular motors responsible for LPA- and PDGF-stimulated contraction. We found that neither PDGF nor LPA-dependent contractile mechanisms require myosin II regulatory light chain kinase or increased phosphorylation of myosin II regulatory light chain (measured as diphosphorylation). Low concentrations of the specific myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin blocked PDGF-stimulated matrix contraction and LPA-stimulated retraction of fibroblast dendritic extensions but not LPA-stimulated matrix contraction. These data suggest that PDGF- and LPA-stimulated floating matrix contraction utilize myosin II-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively. LPA-dependent, Rho kinase-independent force generation also was detected during fibroblast spreading on collagen-coated coverslips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Abe
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9039, USA
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